Education/Certifications: Professional Cookery Certificate, Patisserie Diploma, Ships Cook, STCW, ENG1, Hygiene 2 & 3, Personal Trainer & Golf Fitness
Mark grew up in Cape Town, surrounded by the ocean, mountains, and an active lifestyle. From swimming and surfing to rugby, water polo, golf, and exploring nature with his older brother and family, being outdoors, active and near a body of water has always been a big part of his life.
Mark has been a Chef since the age of 17, starting in remote safari hospitality in Tanzania, where he spent over a decade, before moving into boat and beach hospitality. Yachting had always been something he wanted to pursue, and in 2021, during Covid, he made the move and since then worked on charter yachts such as MY AWOL, M/Y SUN CHASER, M/Y RH3, M/Y HIGHLANDER, M/Y LADY BETH, M/Y GLACIAL BEAR, and currently a Chef onboard M/Y EROS.
He has cruised extensively throughout the Mediterranean and Croatia, the southern and eastern US, the Bahamas and Caribbean, as well as Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Norway’s dramatic fjords were particularly special, while La Digue in the Seychelles remains his favorite place.
Mark enjoys making crew and guests happy and healthy through food. He is organized, professional, clean, self-motivated and a strong team player who gets things done. His meals are balanced, healthy and slightly indulgent, with every dish crafted to individual requirements and served on time. Mark describes himself as an all-rounder when it comes to cuisine, with Mediterranean, Thai, Indian, Mexican and modern European among his favorites, and dietary restriction being no problem.
His goal is to deliver great culinary experiences, continue growing his craft and see the world along the way. One day, he hopes to open a chain of golf and fitness studios across South Africa, combining his passion for fitness, coaching and golf. In his downtime, he enjoys nature, hiking, camping, surfing, fitness, golf and travel.
Mark’s life motto is: “The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” Alan Watts